MIAMI BEACH, Fla. – The City of Miami Beach announced that it is seeking volunteers to join a civilian patrol.
Commissioner Steven Meitner said the new civilian volunteer patrol will not be “like vigilantes.”
“This is extra eyes and ears on the street,” Meitner said.
Miami Beach resident Cindy Pitroff is one of a handful of neighbors who make up part of the newest force of their city’s police department.
“I just think it’s sad that bad elements come in and think they can misbehave and do what they want to do,” she said.
The commissioners came up with the idea in response to the recent crime wave.
“They do not have arrest powers, they do not engage in criminal activity, they do not carry weapons, but they will have direct communications with the police department, with code enforcement and other departments in the city and if they see something they will report it,” Meitner said.
Only Miami Beach residents or business owners can be a part of the program. Volunteers must be 21 years old or older, pass a police background check and undergo training. They also cannot have a criminal record.
“There are numerous checks and balances to make sure that the volunteers are following protocol and complying and are doing what they’re supposed to do,” Meitner said.
The commissioner said the same program has been a success in other cities. For more information about the program, visit this page.